What Is iMachining CNC Machining Technology

What Is iMachining?

iMachining is a toolpath optimization technology developed by Solidworks, developer of major patented projects in 3D design and manufacturing well known to most of us, and by Dassault Systemes, the maker of 3D design programs like Catia. It reduces cutting times by 2-3 times, increasing your manufacturing efficiency. Without requiring any special equipment, it lets you make faster, deeper, and more efficient cuts using the tools and equipment you already have.

download imachining solidcam — iMachining technology works fully compatibly with Solidworks, SolidCAM, Autodesk Inventor CAM, and Siemens NX.

Advantages of iMachining Technology

Saves 70% or more machining time.
Reduces the number of passes by machining deeper.
With remaining-stock calculations and finish-cut calculations, idle traversal moves are eliminated, keeping the tool continuously engaged in the cut without unnecessary retractions.
By using the tool’s full cutting-edge length, it distributes the load that would otherwise fall solely on the tool tip across the entire tool as it should be. This way, the tool doesn’t dull quickly.
With fully optimized feed rates and cutting speeds, it extends cutting tool life by an average of 5 times or more.
No need for advanced, specialized tooling when machining hard materials.

How Does iMachining Work?

The iMachining Technology Wizard uses an advanced, patented “technology algorithm” that automatically generates optimized feed, speed, depth, and width of cut.
It also uses CNC machine characteristics as well as stock and tool material properties to calculate and maintain the most suitable cutting conditions.

Using the patented “Controlled Step Over” technology, iMachining ensures the toolpath strictly maintains the cutting conditions set by the Wizard.

With automatic feed and cutting speed calculation, trial-and-error costs are eliminated. Optimum, most efficient cutting is guaranteed on the very first part.

Divide and Conquer Strategy

One of the secrets behind iMachining boosting machining efficiency: the divide-and-conquer tactic

To clear pockets containing islands in the most efficient way, iMachining uses a patented division strategy, splitting the pocket into smaller regions and machining it as efficiently as possible.

imachining technology — iMachining maximizes speed using its patented division strategy

This strategy creates the most efficient areas for spiral toolpaths. When moving from one position to another on the toolpath, it removes material even during positioning by always keeping the tool engaged in the chip.

Machining the ski goggle mold pictured above takes only 5 minutes with this technology. You can watch it in the video below.

Thanks to Controlled Step Over technology, iMachining promises that even the most complex parts can be finished in the shortest possible time. Let’s continue with the video below.

While in 2.5-axis programming the user has to individually select depths and chains, in iMachining 3D programming, geometry and depths are determined automatically from the 3D model, so no time is wasted.

Using Controlled Step Over technology and generating ideally scanned toolpaths, it completes Rough and Rest-Roughing operations in a single pass, preparing the part in the most optimal way for finishing operations.

A look at manufacturing a space shuttle part with iMachining

iMachining 3D on Prismatic Parts

When machining prismatic parts, iMachining 3D automatically maximizes performance and efficiency to achieve the shortest machining time.

In this system, the tool starts removing material from the deepest point it can reach first, thereby achieving maximum material removal with the most suitable depth and step-over. While the material removal rate and tool life are calculated at the highest possible level, retractions and idle travel are minimized.

For Z-level regional cuts, it optimally calculates areas close to each other and performs the regional cuts in an ideal, sequential order. Idle travel moves are avoided thanks to 2D regional toolpaths and smart 3D Z-level movements.

It automatically identifies all pockets at different depths and levels using the Pool Recognition feature. This minimizes programming time and completes the cut in a single operation.

Holder Collision Avoidance

In every operation, iMachining 3D continuously optimizes toolpaths to prevent collision between the tool holder and the current stock.

Without the Collision Avoidance feature, the distance between the holder and the tool has to be unnecessarily extended in order to machine deep pockets and regions.

In this system, since the distance between the holder and tool is kept shorter, the shorter and stronger tool can work much faster and more aggressively. This is one of the secrets behind iMachining’s efficiency gains.